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# **How to Spot Humpback Whales from Shore in New Jersey**

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing a humpback whale but don’t have the time to hop on a boat, you’re in luck! The waters off the Jersey Shore are home to these incredible giants, and with a little patience and the right strategy, you can spot them right from the coast.

As the trusted experts in whale watching, we at **Jersey Shore Whale Watch** know all the best ways to find whales. While nothing beats the thrill of being up close with these amazing creatures on a boat, it’s still possible to see them from land. Here’s how you can increase your chances of spotting a humpback whale without leaving the shore.

## **When and Where to Look for Whales from Shore**

Humpback whales migrate through New Jersey’s waters from **April through December**, with peak sightings in **summer and fall**. These whales are following schools of baitfish, like menhaden, which gather along the coastline.

The best places to spot whales from land are areas with **high vantage points** where you can see far out into the ocean. Here are a few top spots to try:

– **Sandy Hook** – A great location with sweeping ocean views, especially from the northern tip.
– **Sea Bright Jetties** – The rock jetties give you a higher vantage point over the water.
– **Long Branch Boardwalk** – Many whales have been spotted just beyond the surf here.
– **Asbury Park Boardwalk** – A popular spot where lucky beachgoers sometimes witness breaching whales.
– **Manasquan Inlet** – Offers a clear view of passing marine life, including whales and dolphins.

The best time of day? **Early morning or late afternoon.** Cooler air temperatures make it easier to see the misty whale “blow” as they surface to breathe.

## **What to Look For**

Whale watching from shore requires a sharp eye and some patience. Unlike being on a boat, where you’re actively searching the water, from shore you’ll want to scan the horizon carefully. Here are the key signs to look for:

### **1. The Blow (Spout)**
Humpback whales exhale forcefully when they surface, creating a tall misty spray of water called a **blow**. It can rise **10 to 20 feet** into the air and is usually the easiest way to spot a whale from a distance.

### **2. Big Splashes**
Sometimes whales slap their **tails (flukes) or pectoral fins** against the water, creating large white splashes visible from shore. If you see a big splash, keep watching—it could be followed by a breach!

### **3. The Dorsal Fin**
While humpbacks don’t have large dorsal fins like dolphins, they do have a small, curved fin on their backs. If you spot a dark shape rising and dipping beneath the surface, it could be a humpback.

### **4. Breaching**
This is the ultimate sighting! Humpback whales sometimes leap completely out of the water before crashing back down, sending water spraying in every direction. While rare, breaches can be seen from the beach—so always keep your eyes on the water.

### **5. A Trail of Birds**
Seabirds like gulls and gannets often follow whales because they feed on the same fish. If you see a cluster of birds diving into the water, a whale may be nearby.

## **Helpful Tips for Better Whale Watching from Shore**

While seeing a whale from land isn’t guaranteed, here are some **pro tips** to increase your chances:

– **Use Binoculars** – A good pair of binoculars can help you see whales more clearly.
– **Check the Weather** – Calm, clear days are best. Windy days create choppy waves that make spotting whales harder.
– **Be Patient** – Whales surface every 5-10 minutes to breathe, so stick around and keep scanning the water.
– **Look Near Fishing Boats** – If you see fishing boats clustered offshore, they might be near a feeding whale.

## **Want to See Whales Up Close? Join Us on the Water!**

While spotting a humpback whale from shore is an incredible experience, nothing compares to seeing them up close from the deck of a boat. At **Jersey Shore Whale Watch**, we take care of all the searching for you.

Our boat, **Jersey Girl**, departs regularly throughout the season, and we offer a **guaranteed whale sighting** on our trips. We’ve had record-breaking seasons, with some trips spotting **10 or more whales in a single outing!**

If you want the **best** chance of seeing a whale—up close and personal—join us for an unforgettable experience on the water. Our season runs from **April through December**, and tickets are available now.

📞 **Call us at 732-592-6400 to book your trip today!**

## **Final Thoughts**

Whether from shore or on a boat, whale watching in New Jersey is an amazing experience. With a little patience, the right location, and some sharp eyes, you might just spot a humpback whale right from the beach. But if you want a guaranteed sighting and the thrill of seeing these majestic creatures up close, **come join us at Jersey Shore Whale Watch!**

🐋 **Happy whale watching!**

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